Author: Victoria R. Ballesteros and Athan G. Bezaitis

Aging with dignity and independence is the ability to live life to its fullest in the place you call home regardless of age, illness or disability. While we all like to picture ourselves growing older in a healthy way, the reality is that 70 percent of people over the age of 65 will need help with daily activities at some point in their lives — for an average of three years. This care can touch every aspect of your life — from how you live to where you live — and it can be very costly. Unfortunately, you never know when you or someone you love might need daily help, such as assistance getting groceries, help with transportation, or round the clock care, all of which require planning and coordination.